Happy Wednesday, brides-to-be! In this re-released episode of White Dress Optional, Mel & Malea break down 8 of the most common wedding dress shopping myths that confuse or overwhelm so many brides. Whether you're newly engaged or gearing up for your first appointment, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and insider tips you wish you knew sooner. Discover what real bridal stylists want you to know before you shop—so you can enjoy the experience, trust your instincts, and c...

Engaged couples today have access to endless wedding opinions online — but is all that TikTok advice actually good? In this episode, bridal experts Mel and Malea (with 30+ years combined in the industry) react to viral wedding planning videos and break down what’s genuinely helpful vs. what might lead you astray. If you’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice and want clarity from real experts, this episode cuts through the noise so you can plan your wedding with confidence. Video #1 - Cre...

This week we’re joined by Karie from SSY (She Said Yes) in Oklahoma—an incredible wedding planner who believes supporting couples emotionally is just as important as planning the details. 💛 Karie shares the real emotional challenges brides and couples face, how to stay grounded when planning gets overwhelming, and simple wellness practices to protect your peace before and after the big day. If you’ve been feeling stressed, stretched, or unsure how to navigate the emotions of wedding planning,...

Feeling overwhelmed by where to even start with wedding planning? We’ve got you. In this episode, Mel and Malea walk you through a practical, stress-reducing wedding planning timeline — from 12+ months out all the way to the morning of your big day. We’re breaking down what actually matters at each stage, the tasks you don’t want to skip, and the common mistakes that cause couples to feel behind (when they really aren’t!). Whether you're freshly engaged or halfway through planning, this episo...

Choosing a wedding photographer is about so much more than finding someone who takes pretty pictures — it’s about finding the right fit for you. In this episode, Mel and Malea sit down with wedding photographer Raquel King to talk about how your photographer’s personality, communication style, and creative approach can make or break your wedding day experience. They also talk about the theme and trends that are popping up for 2026. Whether you’re newly engaged or deep in planning mode, ...

Step into the sweetest part of wedding planning — your cake! 🎂✨ In this episode, Mel & Malea sit down with Armana of A. Cakes Bakery, a luxury cake artist known for her sculptural, grand, emotion-driven designs. From a pro-golfer turned pastry artist to creating deeply personal wedding cakes, Armana shares the unexpected journey behind her craft — and the heartfelt stories that shape each creation. Whether you're cake-obsessed or just starting to plan, this episode will help you dream big...

This week, Mel and Malea are joined by Alli — one of Brilliant Bridal’s own stylists — for a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens on the bridal floor. From heartwarming “yes to the dress” moments to expert advice on trusting your stylist, Alli shares stories that will make you laugh and feel more confident walking into your own appointment. Whether you’re just starting your dress search or you’re deep in fittings, this episode is packed with real tips, stylist secrets, and remi...

Every couple has heard it — “It’s your day!” But when planning a wedding, your guests’ experience plays a big role in how the celebration actually feels. In this episode, Mel and Malea dive into how to balance your dream day with thoughtful touches that make your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and included. From ceremony seating to reception flow, discover how to create a wedding that’s meaningful for you and memorable for everyone who attends. Tune in for practical tips, heartfelt advice,...

Ever wondered how celebrity weddings look that good—and how much of it you can actually recreate without a million-dollar budget? In this episode, Mel and Malea break down four celebrity weddings, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and how everyday brides can pull inspiration from A-list “I dos.” With over 30 years of combined wedding industry experience, they decode the trends, give realistic alternatives, and show you how to bring a little red carpet magic to your own aisle—without the Holly...

Wedding dress shopping can be one of the most special parts of your wedding journey — but the right (or wrong) guests can make all the difference. ✨ In this episode, we’re sharing who to bring, what to pack, and how to set yourself up for a stress-free, joy-filled bridal appointment. Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all it...

TikTok seems to be the place for honest opinions, wedding dress shopping experiences is no exception! — but how much of it is actually helpful? In this episode of White Dress Optional, your hosts from Brilliant Bridal react to 4 TikTok videos from real brides sharing their experiences. From veil pricing and alterations to whether you should get a spray tan or full glam before shopping, we’re breaking down what we agree with, what we don’t, and what every bride really needs to know befor...

From opening our first bridal shop to helping thousands of brides, here’s our story, what inspired Brilliant Bridal, and the wedding planning wisdom we’ve picked up along the way. Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at podcast@brilliantbridal.com. ...

Feeling overwhelmed by wedding dress shopping? You’re not alone! In this episode of White Dress Optional, your hosts from Brilliant Bridal break down everything you need to know before stepping into a bridal shop. From understanding fabrics to figuring out whether a fitted or flowy style feels right for you, we’ll give you the language, tools, and confidence to make the process stress-free. Whether you’re just starting your dress search or you’ve already tried on a few gowns, this guide will ...

✨ Swiftie brides, this one’s for you! In this episode, your hosts, Melanie + Malea (and bridal shop CEOs) dive into the exciting news of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement. We share our wedding predictions — from dress styles to venue vibes — and have some fun dreaming up what their big day could look like. But beyond the theories, we’re breaking down what celebrity weddings like this mean for the bridal industry and how trends might trickle down to brides everywhere. Whether you’re p...

Welcome to our Season 2 send-off! Before we head off on summer break, we wanted to highlight some of our top moments from this season. Enjoy clips from our most-listened-to episodes, vendor advice from the “Where to Begin Series,” real couples’ wedding stories, and standout moments with other incredible guests. Thank you for tuning in, we hope this season has been helpful for many of you along your wedding planning journey. Until next time, happy planning! Thank you for tuning into ‘White D...

You asked, so we answered! In this episode, Mel & Malea are tackling all the wedding questions submitted by YOU, and no topic is off-limits. They’re diving into the pros and cons of buffet vs. plated dinners, where to draw the line on plus-ones, navigating a dry wedding dilemma, do coworkers make the guest list, and MORE. If you’re looking for real advice and relatable solutions for your big day, this episode has all the guidance you need! Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optiona...

Happy Wednesday! This week, we’re catching up with Mrs. Anna Graham, post-wedding bliss for the final chapter of our “Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’” series. Anna shares the highs, surprises, and lessons from her wedding day—from memorable personal touches to handling unexpected mishaps. We dive into how the Graham’s unique ceremony choices made their day unforgettable and advice every couple should hear. Plus, don’t miss Anna’s take on what couples should and shouldn’t stress over! We hope y...

Welcome back, listeners! With new tariff policies on imported goods set to take effect in 2025, we know many couples in the midst of planning might be wondering, 'How will this affect my wedding plans?' In this episode, Mel breaks down what these changes could mean for couples and the wedding industry alike, how wedding pros are responding, and shares solutions to help you navigate this uncharted territory with confidence. It’s always our goal to leave you feeling empowered and supported alon...

Happy Wednesday! We’re back with another round of wedding registry must-haves! This week, Mel & Malea share their favorite registry picks of 2025, from big-ticket investment pieces that are great for group gifts to fun and practical finds you’ll use for years to come. Tune in for tips on building a well-balanced registry and snagging gifts that will last well beyond your wedding day. Check out the show notes below for links to all our favorites! Royal Doulton x Gordon Ramsey Dinnerw...

Wedding planning is full of excitement, but what happens when a vendor doesn’t meet your expectations? This week, we’re joined by Cora Mercer, founder of Tailored in White, to tackle the tough questions couples face when things don’t go as planned. Mel, Malea and Cora have an honest conversation about how to handle vendor disappointments with confidence, share real-life scenarios, and offer their best advice for finding resolutions and moving forward. Whether you’re just starting to plan or w...